I found the section titled; Practice Mentoring, in the Group Communication text really interesting. They first define what exactly a mentor is, which according to the book is a member of the organization who is often older, more experienced, and well respected and who serves as a role model for a less-experienced employee (often known as a protégé). They go on to talk about how mentors are important within a work place and how they benefit the work environment. They also describe the four stages that the mentoring relationship progresses. The first one is Initiation. This is where the mentor and protégé start to learn about one another. This happens by the mentor counseling and supporting and the protégé is open to new things and shows loyalty. The next stage is cultivation. This stage is when the mentor and protégé begin to form a interpersonal bond. The third stage is separation. Within this stage the protégé doesn’t need the mentor with them anymore and they drift apart. The fourth and final stage is Redefinition. This is when the mentor and protégé are now considered equals of one another.
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I really enjoyed your post about mentorship. I really liked the way the book explained this connection between one who is new to an organization and an experienced individual. This is a very important connection, mainly because people who are new to an organization usually feel a sense of isolation and stress due to the fact that they are on the bottom. Almost every organization I have ever joined has had some sort of mentorship program, and they really do work! I really liked how the book outlined the four stages of mentorship, and I see all of those in my personal experiences. I do however, think the book is missing one stage. Their last stage is stage 4, where the protege and mentor are equals but I believe there is often a “stage 5” where the protege can perhaps pass the mentor in rank.
ReplyDeleteI found your summary of this section very interesting. I currently have an internship and this is a good example of what is happening to me now. The word protege and mentor is used perfectly in your explanation. I think the four stages of the relationship between the protege and mentor was really interesting. The four parts really show how a mentor can bring someone up who is new and teach them about things. Then the protege eventually starts doing things on their own and they eventually become equals. These steps show how a lot of people step into their careers.
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